Dexter Cup eliminations for three-year-old trotters took place this past Saturday (April 30) at Freehold Raceway.
The first elimination was taken by Cufflink Hanover, who is a son of Andover Hall. He settled in for a two-hole trip behind the favourite, Steed. Cufflink Hanover took the lead in the stretch and won in 1:57.3 for driver David Miller. The colt is trained by Richard ‘Nifty’ Norman.
Dominion Beach was favoured to win the second elimination, and he did just that. Marcus Johansson and Dominion Beach held off a late surge by Sir Royson in the stretch and won in 1:58. The Muscle Hill colt is trained by Nancy Johansson.
Dante, who is trained and driven by Ake Svanstedt, took the lead from the word ‘go’ and never looked back in the third elimination. The son of Credit Winner defeated the favourite, Inukchuk Chuck, in 1:58.3.
The $140,800 final will be held at Freehold on Derby Day (Saturday, May 7). The three winners will be accompanied by the three-second place finishers: Steed, Sir Royson and Inukchuk Chuck, and two of the third place finishers. Credevie, Cloud Nine Hanover and Hillman will draw for the two remaining spots in the final, by lot.
(With files from the SBOANJ)